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Statement on Diocese of Gaylord AG Report
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January 8, 2024On Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, the office of the Michigan Attorney General issued its report on clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Gaylord. One of the priests listed in that report, Father Raymond Charles Cotter also served in the Diocese of Marquette. This priest did not appear in the October 2022 Michigan Attorney General report on clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Marquette. A review of our files concerning Rev. Cotter indicates that there were no allegations of the sexual abuse of minors nor allegations that this priest relied on his authority to engage in sexual misconduct with adults while he served in the Diocese of Marquette.
To those who have been harmed by clergy sexual abuse, Bishop John Doerfler said, “Clergy sexual abuse is a grave evil that should never happen. On behalf of the Church, I apologize to all those who have been harmed by any bishop, priest or deacon. My heart goes out to you, and I pledge to accompany you on the journey to the peace and healing of Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Doerfler encourages anyone who has been abused in the diocese to contact Michigan’s Attorney General to report the abuse. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office can be contacted at its toll-free reporting hotline at (844) 324-3374 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by email at [email protected].
The diocese’s Victims Assistance Coordinators are also available to help those harmed receive pastoral care leading toward healing. To bring a complaint regarding the sexual abuse of minors to the attention of the diocese, call one of the victims’ assistance coordinators: Stephen Lynott at (844) 495-4330 or Diane Tryan at (844) 694-4362.
Those who wish to put their complaint in writing may direct their correspondence to: Victims Assistance Coordinator, c/o Catholic Social Services of the U.P., 1100 Ludington St., Suite 401, Escanaba, MI 49829. The letter should be marked “personal and confidential” and indicate whether a response is desired by phone or by letter.
The diocese will also help anyone bring their concerns to Church officials outside the diocese if the sexual abuse occurred elsewhere and the person now resides in the Diocese of Marquette. If you are unsure about bringing a complaint or would like further information, Stephen Lynott or Diane Tryan may be contacted at the numbers above.
The diocese always encourages those bringing a complaint to report the incident to local civil authorities. The diocese reports all allegations to the appropriate civil authorities.
Raymond Charles Cotter – A priest of the Diocese of Gaylord who served temporarily in the Diocese of Marquette
Ordained Nov. 28, 1986
Ministry in diocese
Dec. 13, 1997 – Associate pastor (temporary): St. Joseph, Ishpeming
Feb. 16, 1998 – Associate pastor: St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette
Oct. 30, 1998 – Pastor: Holy Family, Gladstone
April 18, 2001 – Resigned as pastor of Holy Family, Gladstone; returned to the Diocese of Gaylord